New Vision & Direction for loom

The event series that started it all known as "loom" is coming up on its 6-year anniversary in March. Much has changed in those six years. What started out as a humble party meant to bring together 50 of our closest friends on the dance floor has since brought together thousands from Omaha and beyond over the course of our history. And in that time, we've been blessed enough to have loom garner enough attention and momentum to be able to open up our own venue known as House of Loom.

With the anniversary around the corner and given the context that the event series "loom" now has a permanent home at House of Loom (and let me be very clear that "loom" and House of Loom are connected but separate entities), I've been giving much thought to what the next evolution of loom is. Over the next year, we'll be implementing new ideas, new direction and expanded programming that will change the face of what we've come to know as loom. I'll list what that is below ...

First off, the first-Thursday model we've mostly abided by over the years is no longer relevant. loom has gone onto become multi-generational. Our base of supporters range from 21-year-olds all the way up to loyal patrons in their 50's. We want to be accessible to everyone, not just the 20-somethings that don't have to be up at 8 am the next day. You'll still see occasional Thursday events when it makes sense, but for the most part, we're moving the party to the weekend.

Second, we'll be amping up our production, performances and decor to make sure that the celebration stands out from everything else we do here at House of Loom. While we host, organize and have promoters hold all kinds of events at our venue, we believe the "loom" events at House of Loom are the heart and soul of the venue. It's our chance to show our core values and give a core experience of what we're about.

Third, and the most important part of this message: Now that we have our own home and we're not confined by a one-night only dance floor, we're expanding our programming. When we're able to, we won't just be throwing a "dance party," but rather packaging a series of events that build awareness, appreciation and understanding of a specific culture or era. The February edition of loom represents that transformation. While we have our annual dance celebration known as "loom Weaves Brasil's Carnaval" on Feb. 18th, we'll have three events leading up to that where people will learn about Brazilian music, drums, dance, liquors and cinema. So by the time the big dance celebration hits, people will have been given an opportunity to experience the theme of the party in a variety of ways.

This is a very significant step. Our social theory is based on using music, education, performance and art for social progress. And now in a way that's never been more fully actualized than this—we'll be living out our mission.

Here's info on the 4-part Brazilian series:
1. Soup n Cinema celebrates Brazilian Film - Feb. 8 / 6-9 pm
Facebook / HoL Website

2. Music & Rhythm of Brazil - Feb. 12 / 3-7 pm
Facebook / HoL Website

3. Spirits of Brazil - Feb 15 / 7-10 pm
Facebook / HoL Website

4. loom Weaves Brasil's Carnaval - Feb 18 / 8 pm-2 am
Facebook / HoL Website

And before I end this, there's a fourth element I'm tossing around with our team at the moment. If we go through with it, we'll have mapped out the next six years and beyond via "loom" becoming a non-profit. But it's too soon to say anything more on that.

Until the next time, Jay Kline, Ethan Bondelid and I can't express enough how grateful we are. Speaking for myself—to be able to take a spark of an idea and with the community of Omaha and close friends—turn my passion and dream into a career ... So grateful to be in this position.

- loom Co-founder, Brent Crampton